"The island of the hinduist caves" Elephanta Island by SirRichard

Elephanta Island Travel Guide: 130 reviews and 312 photos

Elephanta is a little island in the bay in front of Mumbai, just 1 hour away by boat. It is a nice half day trip, you can disconnect for a while of Mumbai rush, noise and pollution and visit these caves with magnificent examples of hindi statues carved in rock.

Mumbai's location

It was originally known as “Gharapuri” (Ghara priests island) but the portuguese renamed it in XVIth century after the elephant statue which they found in the harbour…

Watercolor of the caves

Its main attraction is the Cave Temple, with the magnificient Shiva Trimurti statue and its many carved columns.

Last visit to Elephanta Island: Aug 2001
Intro Written Mar 24, 2003
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Reviews (9)

Carved elephants Shopping (1)

At the stalls that you can find at both sides of the steps on your way up to the cave from the boat, you can find a lot... more travel advice

The tourist's train Tourist Traps (1)

As you get down from the boat in Elephanta Island you have the chance to take a little train that gets you to the base... more travel advice

Eat fruit Restaurants (2)

There are many fruit vendors among the souvenir stalls, so if you are hot & thirsty, you can buy some fresh frit and... more travel advice

Restaurants by the beach Restaurants (2)

If you wanna have lunch there before returning to Mumbai, at the shore (at the beginning of the steps) there are a few... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Ferry to Elephanta
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Comments (15)

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pollon Feb 9, 2005 at 5:18 AM

good excuse that of the boat leaving for the last price ;-)... and I also know that sort of elephants and carved eggs with an elephant inside bought on one of those stalls... I DO like your page!!! :-)
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freya_heaven Aug 31, 2004 at 2:31 PM

Lovely colourful photos, especially the fruit stall. Interesting page. (~_~)
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DUNK67 Jun 7, 2004 at 12:30 PM

some nice photos and good tips
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oldmonk_92129 Oct 25, 2003 at 8:53 PM

Another incredible series of pics by SirRichard. I visit my family in Mumbai every year... have not been to elephanta.. Wwll, I have seen most of it through your photographs.
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jenn_d Oct 2, 2003 at 9:25 AM

The carved elephant makes a great addition to your shelf...another divine page
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Billy_26 Aug 15, 2003 at 3:02 AM

That fruit looks so refreshing and delicious - great snap
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Bwana_Brown May 31, 2003 at 11:28 AM

Nice photos and tips on Elephanta Island! The 'thali' meal looks quite appealing!
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acemj May 31, 2003 at 10:41 AM

Good tip on bargaining (my boat is leaving!!). The caves look like a great escape from the crowds and a pleasant afternoon.
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Omahaman May 22, 2003 at 3:28 PM

Nice photos... I have never been to India... (: Jim
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herzog63 Apr 9, 2003 at 12:29 AM

Joaquin, that picture of the Thali brought back such fond memories! I could go back to India just to eat!! I never made it to Mumbai...Next time. What a Great Gift you have ..Watercolors! They are Greater than any photos!